I got my FT817 at Dayton and finally put it on the air yesterday
(6/2). Anyway, the rig sitting flat against a table just doesn't
work for me.....too hard to see the display and get at the buttons.
I was at ACE Hardware today and saw a 4 inch paint roller with a
matching size tray. If you turn the tray over, cut off the back half
plus remove the bubble or hump in the back you wind up with a nice
black, heavy vinyl, riser stand for the FT817. It is about 1.25
inches in the back and 1.75 inches in the front. The width is
perfect at about 5.25 inches where the rig sits and 6 inches at the
base where it meets the desk. I finshed off the cut edges with my
dremel tool and it looks pretty good but I think I will spray mine
with black enamel. The open tray cavity under the FT817 fits the
neat little yellow FT817 book from VE3AYR or Palm Paddles, etc.
Also, if you turn the finished tray over the 817 fits right inside of
it. This will be handy for carrying both inside of another bag or
pouch. I will use the Yaesu plastic bag or a bubble wrap bag on the
817 first though. The tray would add some protection for the rig
while traveling.
If interested the tray roller I purchased from ACE Hardware is called
the Speed Roller kit and has a UPC label code of 44359 00500. I'm
sure most paint trays for 4 in. rollers would be very similar.
Just thought I'd share for those interested.
73
Jerry N9AW
